Thiruvananthapuram, 26 August (H.S.)Supplyco recorded sales of ₹422.17 crore during the Onam season, surpassing the ₹385.42 crore registered during the corresponding period last year.
The latest figure covers the 35 days from July 22 to August 25, with sales calculated until 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob described the performance as a recent record for the state-run retail chain.
Between August 1 and 25 alone, Supplyco recorded sales exceeding ₹350 crore. Officials attributed the rise to increased consumer dependence on its outlets, competitive pricing and adequate availability of essential commodities.
Supplyco and Consumerfed sold 13 essential items at subsidised prices without any increase during the festival season. Prices of green gram, black gram, chickpeas, cowpeas and tur dal were reduced, while Sabari subsidised coconut oil became cheaper by ₹20 a litre, falling from ₹249 to ₹229.
Consumers were also permitted to purchase their subsidised quotas for August and September together using ration cards. Supplyco maintained sufficient stocks across its outlets, preventing the shortages experienced during previous festival seasons.
Among subsidised commodities, coconut oil generated sales of ₹51.64 crore, followed by pulses at ₹43.83 crore. Rice varieties, including Jaya, Matta, Kuruvai and raw rice, accounted for ₹31.21 crore. Spices such as chilli and coriander recorded sales of ₹14.14 crore, while sugar contributed ₹8.36 crore.
Supplyco organised three mega trade fairs, 11 district fairs and 126 Assembly constituency-level fairs as part of its Onam marketing campaign.
It also completed the distribution of 5,93,408 free Onam kits four days before Thiruvonam. These included 8,902 kits for welfare institutions and 5,51,164 kits delivered to ration card holders.
A free KSRTC air-conditioned circular bus service was also introduced between Vyttila and Kaloor for shoppers visiting Supplyco's mega trade fair in Ernakulam.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman